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UPDATE: July 10, 2007 -- In the frenzy to pass legislation to address global warming, the Senate has recently passed an extreme and unachievable fuel economy standard of a combined car and light-truck standard of 35 mpg by 2020.
The full House of Representatives is likely to consider a similar proposal as early as next week. These CAFE proposals serve as the greatest threat to vehicle choice in more than a decade.
The House energy debate, which will take place in the next several days, may be the last and best opportunity to affect the outcome of the CAFE debate. |
Latest Action
Urge Representatives to Support Credible CAFE Boost Bill
Representatives Baron Hill (D-Ind.) and Lee Terry (R-Nev.) introduced H.R. 2927, a version of CAFE reform that is likely to emerge as the most viable counterproposal to a more onerous and unworkable bill expected to be offered. H.R. 2927 would set an aggressive but reasonable CAFE standard at between 32 mpg to 35 mpg by 2022, but allows separate standards for different classes of vehicles.
In June, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a comprehensive energy package that the House will consider in July, which does not include a CAFE provision. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) successfully fought off efforts by Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-Texas) to include a fuel economy provision. Even though the Committee bill does not include any changes to CAFE, there is a strong likelihood that the House will consider a floor amendment that includes radical CAFE hikes similar to those recently passed by the Senate.
Dealer Action Needed
In anticipation of what will be a hotly contested fuel economy vote, NADA is organizing a grassroots effort and is planning a dealer fly-in in mid-July supporting H.R. 2927.
Dealers must urge House members to cosponsor H.R. 2927 the Hill-Terry Bipartisan CAFE Alternative. Unless dealers develop strong, bipartisan support for H.R. 2927, dealers run the risk of fuel-economy mandates that will result in a product mix that does not meet consumer demand. If automakers are forced to build vehicles that consumers do not purchase, dealers' businesses will suffer. Automakers and their suppliers will also feel the impact, and any effort to reduce oil consumption will be delayed because people will hold onto their older, less efficient cars longer.
Dealers should call AND fax their Representatives IMMEDIATELY to urge them to support the Hill-Terry CAFE Alternative (H.R. 2927).
House of Representatives Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
House of Representatives Website: www.House.gov
A sample letter urging Representatives to support the Hill-Terry CAFE Alternative (H.R. 2927). (Word document)
Talking points in support of the Hill-Terry CAFE Alternative (H.R. 2927). (Word document)
News and Information on Senate CAFE Reform Legislation
Coming soon . . .